Lockheed C-141A Starlifter
Lockheed · United States · first flew 1963 · transport aircraft
The Lockheed C-141 Starlifter was the USAF's first dedicated jet strategic airlifter, providing rapid global airlift capability from the mid-1960s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Rear loading ramp and upswept aft fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Four-turbofan high-wing USAF strategic transport
- T-tail with swept wing
- Rear loading ramp and upswept aft fuselage
Recognised by its T-tail, four podded turbofans under a high swept wing, upswept rear fuselage with a loading ramp, and distinctive landing gear fairings projecting below the fuselage.
Specifications
- The Lockheed C-141A Starlifter has a length of 44.2 m (145 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 48.74 m (160 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 919 km/h (571 mph).
- Typical crew: 4-6.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flying in December 1963, the C-141A entered service in 1965 and was immediately pressed into service supporting operations in Vietnam. The subsequent C-141B 'Starlifter' was fuselage-stretched, effectively adding the equivalent of 90 extra aircraft to the fleet.
Variants
The C-141A was the original variant; the C-141B featured a 7.1m fuselage stretch; the C-141C was a modernised B with upgraded avionics.
Where you'll see it
The USAF operated C-141s from 1965 until 2006, when the last aircraft were retired after over four decades of service across Vietnam, the Gulf War, and humanitarian missions.
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- Lockheed C-141B Starlifter
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